The Best Releases of Watches & Wonders 2024
Spotlighting noteworthy timekeepers from Patek Philippe, Rolex, Cartier, A. Lange & Söhne and Hermès.
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For the 2024 Geneva edition of Watches & Wonders, the event returns to the familiar Palexpo Convention Center located in Switzerland’s Le Grand-Saconnex. Decked across seven halls, a total of 54 watch Maisons presented their newest and latest horological offerings from April 9 – 15.
As this year’s Watches & Wonder comes to a close in Geneva, Hypebeast looks back on some of the most noteworthy timekeepers unveiled at the event.
Cartier Privé Tortue Monopoussoir Chronograph
Marking the eighth edition of the Cartier Privè collection, the luxury Maison revisits the Tortue, one of its oldest silhouettes and specifically a single-button chronograph model from 1928. Subtly reworked for the contemporary world, this new interpretation serves as a tribute to the original timepiece, faithfully upholding its distinctive codes and essence while updating it with a new complication.
Arriving in an iconic Tortue-shaped case, the new reference measures 43.7mm in width and 34.8mm in height. At its heart, the 1928 MC Manufacture caliber beats up to 28,800 hourly vibrations and 44 hours of power reserve. It’s offered in a platinum version with a burgundy-red alligator strap for $59,000 USD, as well as a yellow-gold variant with a dark blue strap for $51,000 USD. Both options of the Cartier Privé Tortue Monopoussoir Chronograph are limited to 200 numbered pieces.
To view the Maison’s full selection of watches for the event, check out its dedicated coverage here.
Rolex GMT-Master II
While this new GMT-Master II may seem an anti-climatic release from Rolex, it’s the only model in the brand’s Watches & Wonders 2024 lineup that comes in Oystersteel (while the rest all boasts doubly precious materials). At the same time, it’s hard to deny its understated and evergreen appeal as expressed through its subtle color palette. Featuring a sleek and glossy black dial, the 40mm watch is fitted with a two-tone Cerachrom bezel in black and gray. Depending on the light, the bezel offers a stunning look that pendulates between one and two hues. While the handset and indices come in a contrasting white, the length of the GMT hand is doused in bright green — echoing the “GMT-MASTER II” inscription on the dial.
The new GMT-MASTER II retails for $10,900 USD in the Jubilee bracelet option and $10,700 USD in the oyster bracelet variant. Read more about the timepiece here, along with the rest of Rolex’s lineup for Watches & Wonders 2024.
Patek Philippe Grand Complications In-Line Perpetual Calendar Ref. 5236P
Among Patek Philippe’s long list of new novelties this season, ref. 5236P deserves a special spotlight. In revisiting the In-Line Perpetual Calendar model, the Maison now brings this classic timepiece with the retro-inspired opaline rose-gilt dial. Attired in solid platinum, the watch measures 41.3mm in diameter and has a rounded silhouette. Hour markers and hands are doused in charcoal gray white gold that harmoniously complements its chocolate brown alligator strap.
Meanwhile, the ultra-thin self-winding 31-260 PS Q caliber is openly displayed through the watch’s open caseback. Retailing at $141,405 USD, more details regarding this timepiece be read here, along with all the other Patek Philippe’s novelties from the event.
Hermès Arceau Duc Attelé
In combining Haute Horlogerie with its equestrian heritage, Hermès’ Arceau Duc Attelé is a highly sophisticated timepiece that goes beyond the stunning decorations that the watches from the Maison are often known for. Geared with a central triple-axis tourbillon and a tuning-fork minute repeater, the two complications are displayed tantalizingly at the heart of the 43mm-wide wristwatch. Encased in titanium, the hour and minute indicator is imprinted with reclining Arabic numerals, anchored by claw-shaped hands that provide the measuring of time by the rim of the chapter ring.
Over onto its caseback, the horological artistry of its H1926 movement is thoroughly showcased. Features such as its chiming mechanism, toothed wheels as well as horse head-and-mane racks are in the clear display, offering a truly fascinating viewing pleasure of the watch’s technical finesse. The Arceau Duc Attelé is unveiled as a limited edition of 24 with its price available upon request. To view the Maison’s full selection of watches for the event, check out its dedicated coverage here.
A. Lange & Söhne Datograph Perpetual Tourbillon Honeygold “Lumen”
Exuding a sophisticated radiance by day and remarkable readability at night, the Datograph Perpetual Tourbillon Honeygold “Lumen” by A. Lange & Söhne is complete with exceptional technical prowess. Inside the 41.5mm-wide 18k HONEYGOLD® watch case combines the functionality of three highly complex horological complications: perpetual calendar, tourbillon and a flyback chronograph that’s fitted with the Maison’s signature outsize date. By the sheer sound of its technical specifications, many will expect an equally convoluted appearance. However, A. Lange & Söhne managed to dream up a dial that offers a pleasant and fuss-free viewing experience.
Composed of a tinted sapphire crystal, the dial plate boasts a translucent look that offers a glimpse into its complications as well as the L952.4 Manufacture caliber. The entire watch face is also coated in lume, ensuring complete visibility in the dark that allows the wearer to witness the date-switching mechanism. Priced at $620,000 USD, this time-teller is released in a limited run of 50 numbered examples only. Read more about it here, along with the rest of the brand’s releases for Watches & Wonders 2024.
